(4) The Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology has advised that the CIT fitting and machinery workshop is currently unavailable for training as it is undergoing a refurbishment to upgrade and further develop the facility to meet the technological requirements of local industry. This upgrade is being undertaken as a result of routine assessment of CIT facilities against current industry standards and safety requirements.

(5) When students arrived at the enrolment session at the beginning of Semester 1, they were advised that due to the refurbishment of the fitting and machining workshops, there would be no off-job training at CIT during Semester 1. Students were provided with a range of material including relevant module workbooks and the contact number of a CIT staff member. Following this, contacts were made with employers and industry representatives to review the training programs and discuss the training requirements of students with their respective employers.

(6) Students were advised of the revised start date and the reason for this at the enrolment session. Following the meetings with employers and industry and the refurbishment work in the CIT workshops, a decision has been made that off-job training at CIT will recommence in Term 2 following the Easter break. The program delivery arrangements and refurbished workshops will reflect the enhanced level of technology required by local industry.

Education-Year 12 trends

(Question No 1399)

Mr Pratt asked the Minister for Education, Youth and Family Services, upon notice, on 11 March 2004:

In relation to year 12 trends and further to your response to Question on notice No 1038 in which you stated that the figures from 2003 would be available in February 2004, what were the overall participation rates for Year 12 in the ACT in 2003.

Ms Gallagher: The answer to Mr Pratt's question is:

(1) Percentage of Year 12 students participating in the four major subject areas: